US5923522A - Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator - Google Patents

Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5923522A
US5923522A US08/883,812 US88381297A US5923522A US 5923522 A US5923522 A US 5923522A US 88381297 A US88381297 A US 88381297A US 5923522 A US5923522 A US 5923522A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
switching member
sheet
substrate
actuator
switching
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US08/883,812
Inventor
Jeffrey L. Sajna
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Eaton Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Corp filed Critical Eaton Corp
Priority to US08/883,812 priority Critical patent/US5923522A/en
Priority to DE69824488T priority patent/DE69824488T2/en
Priority to EP98111879A priority patent/EP0887934B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5923522A publication Critical patent/US5923522A/en
Assigned to MDH COMPANY, INC. reassignment MDH COMPANY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EATON CORPORATION
Assigned to DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MDH COMPANY, INC., A CORP. DELAWARE
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H03ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03KPULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/965Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
    • H03K17/975Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to switch technology, and more particularly capacitive switch technology for switching fractional ampere current with an actuator that can provide a tactile feedback snap action in response to a push-to-actuate type of operation.
  • Switches of this type are particularly desirable where low cost, compact size and minimal protrusion from a panel are desired.
  • Cellular phone keypads are a typical application of such desired switch type action.
  • Capacitance change type switching technology has been most commonly used for smooth panel switches where the user touches a laminate on the panel to effect a change in capacitance between two plates. The change is detected by appropriate circuity and discerned as a switching operation.
  • Combining such capacitive switching technology with an actuator that provides a tactically discernible indication of movement similar to the switching of a mechanical contact type switch is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,665, wherein a spring biased movable actuator is employed to effect compression of a resilient conductive disk in contact with a dielectric material for effecting a discernable capacitance change.
  • the push-button type actuator assembly disclosed in this patent includes an undesirable number of parts with attendant increased costs therefor.
  • the present invention contemplates a new and improved capacitive switch technology which overcomes all the above-referred to problems and others to provide a new capacitive switch assembly which is simple in design for improved parts consolidation and cost reduction, economical to manufacture, readily adaptable to a plurality of uses in a variety of dimensional configurations, easy to install, easy to operate and which provides improved switching operation in an environment such as an automobile.
  • a capacitive switch assembly particularly suited for switching fractional ampere current for control circuits such as are needed for window and door lock operations in an automobile.
  • the new switch assembly is generally comprised of a substrate, a pair of conductive plates disposed on the substrate, a dielectric sheet disposed on a common side of the plates and a switching member comprising an elastomeric pill or disk interspersed with conductive material and disposed oppositely from the sheet for selective contact therewith upon movement of the switching member from a first rest position towards the sheet.
  • the switching actuator comprises an elastomeric sheet having a sidewall base engaging the substrate and a top wall holding the switching member.
  • the actuator and substrate encase the plates, the dielectric sheet and the switching member.
  • the actuator effects the movement of the switching member upon use or actuation to compress the switching member in contact with the dielectric and to form with said plates a variable capacitor, wherein resilient deformation of the switching member varies the capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectable manner.
  • the actuator includes a deflectable skirt portion disposed to engage the substrate upon the movement of the switching member towards the sheet, wherein the skirt portion will buckle upon a predetermined deflection for providing a tactile feedback to a user.
  • the buckling action is somewhat perceived by a user to be a discernable snapping action occurring when the skirt is deflected beyond a predetermined position.
  • the elastomeric sheet comprises a plurality of actuators and switching members selectively disposed for alignment with an associated plurality of conductive plates and dielectric sheets.
  • Each of the plurality of actuators, switching member, conductive plates and dielectric sheets functions as an independent switch so that a single elastomeric sheet is usable with a plurality of underlying capacitive elements.
  • One benefit obtained by use of the present invention is a switch assembly wherein an actuator is comprised of a single unitary elastomeric sheet that can not only function as a protective shield of underlying circuitry, but can be configured to cover a plurality of different switching elements. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that use of a single elastomeric sheet to provide a resilient actuator, as opposed to a plurality of independently supported actuator assemblies, provides substantial improvement in availability and adaptability of a plurality of switching elements.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a single switching assembly formed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a switching assembly where a single elastomeric sheet comprises a plurality of elastomeric actuator pads for association with a substrate including a plurality of electrode and dielectric assemblies.
  • a capacitive switch including an elastomeric membrane actuator is illustrated in cross-section thereon.
  • the switch assembly 10 is comprised of a ceramic substrate 12, through which or to which appropriate electrical leads (not shown) are conventionally connected to electrodes 14, 16 formed of conductive material, preferably a thin-film disposed in spaced coplanar arrangement.
  • electrodes 14, 16 formed of conductive material, preferably a thin-film disposed in spaced coplanar arrangement.
  • a conductive ink formed of a mixture of palladium and silver can be screened on the substrate 12 to satisfy this structural requirement.
  • Dielectric 18, preferably a mixture of ferro-electric and glass material, is screened upon the electrodes 14, 16, also in a conventional and known manner. As clearly seen in the reference, the dielectric sheet is thus disposed on a common side of each of the plate electrodes 14, 16.
  • a switching member 22 formed of a conductive elastomer, is disposed opposite of the dielectric 18 for selective contact therewith upon movement of the switching member from a first rest position towards the sheet 18.
  • Switching member 22 conventionally referred to as a conductive disk or pill, is formed of elastomer interspersed with conductive material so that as the elastomer is compressed, the capacitance of the assembly will detectably vary.
  • the switching member 22 is primarily supported by an elastomeric sheet 26 including a sidewall base portion 30 that directly engages the substrate 12 to support the sheet 26 and a top wall portion 32, including a recess 34 in which the switching member 22 is received.
  • the top wall 32 and sidewall 30 are connected by a deflectable skirt portion 38 which resiliently supports the top wall 32 and switching member 22 above the dielectric 18. The skirt portion 38 will engage the substrate upon movement of the switching member towards the dielectric sheet, wherein the skirt portion will buckle upon a predetermined deflection for providing a tactile feedback to the user of a snap-action type movement.
  • a single elastomeric sheet 50 may comprise a plurality of actuators and switching members selectively disposed for alignment with an associated plurality of capacitive elements 52.
  • FIG. 2 shows a typical embodiment of the invention formed as a switch assembly to be disposed on a vehicle door armrest.
  • the protrusions 54 from the sheet 50 each support a switching member 22, which is associatively aligned with a set of conductive plates and a dielectric sheet in the manner shown in FIG. 1.
  • the substrate 56 includes a plurality of electrical connections (not shown) so that each of said switches 54 in combination with its associated capacitive element 52 can operate as an independent switch. Fastening of the sheet 50 to the substrate can occur in a variety of conventionally known manners, including an interlocking protrusion and aperture assembly, glue or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract

A capacitive switch assembly includes an elastomeric sheet actuator for elastically supporting a switching member above a capacitive element comprised of a pair of conductive plates and a dielectric sheet. The elastomeric sheet supports the switching member so that upon user actuation to compress the elastomeric sheet, the switching member is directed to engage the capacitive element and selectively compress to effectively form a variable capacitor. Resilient deformation of the switching member can further vary the capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectable manner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to switch technology, and more particularly capacitive switch technology for switching fractional ampere current with an actuator that can provide a tactile feedback snap action in response to a push-to-actuate type of operation. Switches of this type are particularly desirable where low cost, compact size and minimal protrusion from a panel are desired. Cellular phone keypads are a typical application of such desired switch type action.
Capacitance change type switching technology has been most commonly used for smooth panel switches where the user touches a laminate on the panel to effect a change in capacitance between two plates. The change is detected by appropriate circuity and discerned as a switching operation. Combining such capacitive switching technology with an actuator that provides a tactically discernible indication of movement similar to the switching of a mechanical contact type switch is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,665, wherein a spring biased movable actuator is employed to effect compression of a resilient conductive disk in contact with a dielectric material for effecting a discernable capacitance change. However, the push-button type actuator assembly disclosed in this patent includes an undesirable number of parts with attendant increased costs therefor. Accordingly, there is a need for a simpler, lower cost switch assembly capable of functioning as a low current switching element that can provide tactile feedback from actuator movement during the switching operation to allow a user to recognize the switching. Such an assembly has particular applicability to automotive environments wherein switch operation can frequently occur without need for visual perception such as heating and cooling blower fan controls. Other possible uses are window or door lock switches on a car door arm rest.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved capacitive switch technology which overcomes all the above-referred to problems and others to provide a new capacitive switch assembly which is simple in design for improved parts consolidation and cost reduction, economical to manufacture, readily adaptable to a plurality of uses in a variety of dimensional configurations, easy to install, easy to operate and which provides improved switching operation in an environment such as an automobile.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a capacitive switch assembly particularly suited for switching fractional ampere current for control circuits such as are needed for window and door lock operations in an automobile. The new switch assembly is generally comprised of a substrate, a pair of conductive plates disposed on the substrate, a dielectric sheet disposed on a common side of the plates and a switching member comprising an elastomeric pill or disk interspersed with conductive material and disposed oppositely from the sheet for selective contact therewith upon movement of the switching member from a first rest position towards the sheet. The switching actuator comprises an elastomeric sheet having a sidewall base engaging the substrate and a top wall holding the switching member. The actuator and substrate encase the plates, the dielectric sheet and the switching member. The actuator effects the movement of the switching member upon use or actuation to compress the switching member in contact with the dielectric and to form with said plates a variable capacitor, wherein resilient deformation of the switching member varies the capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectable manner.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the actuator includes a deflectable skirt portion disposed to engage the substrate upon the movement of the switching member towards the sheet, wherein the skirt portion will buckle upon a predetermined deflection for providing a tactile feedback to a user. The buckling action is somewhat perceived by a user to be a discernable snapping action occurring when the skirt is deflected beyond a predetermined position.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the elastomeric sheet comprises a plurality of actuators and switching members selectively disposed for alignment with an associated plurality of conductive plates and dielectric sheets. Each of the plurality of actuators, switching member, conductive plates and dielectric sheets functions as an independent switch so that a single elastomeric sheet is usable with a plurality of underlying capacitive elements.
One benefit obtained by use of the present invention is a switch assembly wherein an actuator is comprised of a single unitary elastomeric sheet that can not only function as a protective shield of underlying circuitry, but can be configured to cover a plurality of different switching elements. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that use of a single elastomeric sheet to provide a resilient actuator, as opposed to a plurality of independently supported actuator assemblies, provides substantial improvement in availability and adaptability of a plurality of switching elements.
Other benefits and advantages for the subject new switching assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a single switching assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a switching assembly where a single elastomeric sheet comprises a plurality of elastomeric actuator pads for association with a substrate including a plurality of electrode and dielectric assemblies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With particular reference to FIG. 1, a capacitive switch including an elastomeric membrane actuator is illustrated in cross-section thereon. The switch assembly 10 is comprised of a ceramic substrate 12, through which or to which appropriate electrical leads (not shown) are conventionally connected to electrodes 14, 16 formed of conductive material, preferably a thin-film disposed in spaced coplanar arrangement. A conductive ink formed of a mixture of palladium and silver can be screened on the substrate 12 to satisfy this structural requirement. Dielectric 18, preferably a mixture of ferro-electric and glass material, is screened upon the electrodes 14, 16, also in a conventional and known manner. As clearly seen in the reference, the dielectric sheet is thus disposed on a common side of each of the plate electrodes 14, 16.
A switching member 22, formed of a conductive elastomer, is disposed opposite of the dielectric 18 for selective contact therewith upon movement of the switching member from a first rest position towards the sheet 18. Switching member 22, conventionally referred to as a conductive disk or pill, is formed of elastomer interspersed with conductive material so that as the elastomer is compressed, the capacitance of the assembly will detectably vary.
It is a feature of the invention that the switching member 22 is primarily supported by an elastomeric sheet 26 including a sidewall base portion 30 that directly engages the substrate 12 to support the sheet 26 and a top wall portion 32, including a recess 34 in which the switching member 22 is received. It can be appreciated that the top wall 32 and sidewall 30 are connected by a deflectable skirt portion 38 which resiliently supports the top wall 32 and switching member 22 above the dielectric 18. The skirt portion 38 will engage the substrate upon movement of the switching member towards the dielectric sheet, wherein the skirt portion will buckle upon a predetermined deflection for providing a tactile feedback to the user of a snap-action type movement. As noted above, not only does the movement of the actuator provide such tactile feedback to a user, engagement of the switching member 22 with the dielectric 18, and continued compression thereof when in contact with the dielectric effectively forms a variable capacitor with the plates 14, 16, so that resilient deformation of the switching member 22 varies the capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectible manner. Upon release of the actuating member top wall 32 by a user, the elastomeric sheet will return to its original rest position as shown in the FIGURE.
With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that a single elastomeric sheet 50 may comprise a plurality of actuators and switching members selectively disposed for alignment with an associated plurality of capacitive elements 52. FIG. 2 shows a typical embodiment of the invention formed as a switch assembly to be disposed on a vehicle door armrest. The protrusions 54 from the sheet 50 each support a switching member 22, which is associatively aligned with a set of conductive plates and a dielectric sheet in the manner shown in FIG. 1. The substrate 56 includes a plurality of electrical connections (not shown) so that each of said switches 54 in combination with its associated capacitive element 52 can operate as an independent switch. Fastening of the sheet 50 to the substrate can occur in a variety of conventionally known manners, including an interlocking protrusion and aperture assembly, glue or mechanical fasteners.
Although the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (2)

I claim:
1. A capacitive switch assembly comprising:
a substrate;
a pair of conductive plates disposed on the substrate;
a dielectric sheet disposed on a common side of the plates;
a switching member formed of elastomer interspersed with conductive material and disposed oppositely from said dielectric sheet for selective contact therewith upon movement of the switching member from a first rest position towards the sheet; and
an actuator comprising an elastomeric sheet having a side wall base engaging the substrate and a top wall holding the switching member, wherein the actuator and substrate encase the plates, the dielectric sheet and the switching member, wherein the actuator effects the movement of the switching member upon user actuation to compress said switching member in contact with said dielectric sheet and to form with said plates a variable capacitor, and wherein resilient deformation of said switching member varies a capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectable manner wherein the actuator includes a deflectable skirt portion disposed to engage the substrate upon said movement of the switching member towards the dielectric sheet for buckling the skirt portion upon a predetermined deflection whereby a tactile feedback is provided to a user.
2. The switch assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric sheet comprises a plurality of actuators and switching members selectively disposed for alignment with an associated plurality of conductive plates and dielectric sheets, each of said plurality of actuators and switching members and associated plurality of conductive plates and dielectric sheets operate as an independent switch.
US08/883,812 1997-06-27 1997-06-27 Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator Expired - Lifetime US5923522A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/883,812 US5923522A (en) 1997-06-27 1997-06-27 Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator
DE69824488T DE69824488T2 (en) 1997-06-27 1998-06-26 Capacitive switch with elastomeric diaphragm actuator
EP98111879A EP0887934B1 (en) 1997-06-27 1998-06-26 Capacitive switch with elastromeric membrane actuator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/883,812 US5923522A (en) 1997-06-27 1997-06-27 Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5923522A true US5923522A (en) 1999-07-13

Family

ID=25383375

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/883,812 Expired - Lifetime US5923522A (en) 1997-06-27 1997-06-27 Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5923522A (en)
EP (1) EP0887934B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69824488T2 (en)

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6320547B1 (en) * 1998-08-07 2001-11-20 Sarnoff Corporation Switch structure for antennas formed on multilayer ceramic substrates
US20020161315A1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2002-10-31 David Harris Hand-held percussive massager with adjustable nodes
US20030098845A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2003-05-29 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US20040075364A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2004-04-22 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components
US20040115625A1 (en) * 2000-10-02 2004-06-17 Reinhard Ebner Cancer gene determination and therapeutic screening using signature gene sets
US20050127792A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-06-16 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric switch for tunable electronic components
US20050155851A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-07-21 Hrl Laboratories, Llc. Variable capacitance membrane actuator for wide band tuning of microstrip resonators and filters
US20060097992A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-11 Motorola, Inc. Apparatus and method of determining a user selection in a user interface
US20060227108A1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-12 Ikey, Ltd. Computer mouse for harsh environments and method of fabrication
US20060243462A1 (en) * 2004-01-12 2006-11-02 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device with a capacitive sensor element and electrical appliance with such an operating device
US20070045281A1 (en) * 2004-02-02 2007-03-01 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device for an electrical appliance having a control panel and subadjacent sensor element and method of operating such an operating device
US20070081075A1 (en) * 2002-01-29 2007-04-12 Palm, Inc. Videoconferencing bandwidth management for a handheld computer system and method
US20070084704A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Ikey, Ltd. Smooth keyboard with low key height
US7208960B1 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-04-24 Milliken & Company Printed capacitive sensor
US20070186667A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Deangelis Alfred R Printed capacitive sensor
US20070248799A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-10-25 Deangelis Alfred R Flexible capacitive sensor
US20080026700A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-01-31 Smith Richard C Silent push-to-talk switch
US20090117951A1 (en) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-07 Motorola Inc Methods and apparatus for user-selectable programmable housing skin sensors for user mode optimization and control
US20090273483A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2009-11-05 Michael Tompkins Flexible electroluminescent capacitive sensor
DE102011054679A1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2013-04-25 Prettl Home Appliance Solutions Gmbh Control element for a control device of household appliance, such as stove, oven, washing machine, dishwasher and dryer, has two electrodes with two potentials, where latter potential is different from former potential
US8611969B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2013-12-17 Surefire, Llc Cable assembly with earpiece
US8625834B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2014-01-07 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece and attachments
US9838009B2 (en) 2014-08-27 2017-12-05 Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. Switch with user feedback
USD839243S1 (en) 2017-09-22 2019-01-29 Surefire, Llc Earpiece
US20190107913A1 (en) * 2014-12-24 2019-04-11 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and method of manufacturing same
US10352552B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2019-07-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and door including the same
US10359227B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2019-07-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
US10429126B2 (en) 2014-12-22 2019-10-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly
US10521033B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2019-12-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and refrigerator door including same
US10619915B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2020-04-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensing apparatus for metal panel including display window with through-holes and touch part home appliance having metal panel and touch sensing apparatus, and method for controlling the same
US10725599B2 (en) 2014-10-24 2020-07-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and refrigerator door with touch sensor assembly and method for manufacturing the same
US10859309B2 (en) 2015-11-27 2020-12-08 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2823387B1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2003-08-15 Faurecia Ind CAPACITIVE-TYPE CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE FUNCTIONAL MEMBER IN PARTICULAR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
EP1229647A1 (en) * 2001-01-26 2002-08-07 Faurecia Industries Capacitive actuator for a functional element, in particular of an automobile, and piece of equipment comprising such actuator
FR2838558B1 (en) 2002-04-16 2005-10-14 Faurecia Ind CAPACITIVE TYPE CONTROLLER
FR2848080B1 (en) * 2002-12-10 2005-01-28 Scc Chaillard Innovation MOTORIZED RELAXATION SEAT
DE102007062263A1 (en) 2007-12-14 2009-06-18 Prettl Home Appliance Solutions Gmbh Apparatus and method for detecting an approach or touch
DE102010036007B4 (en) * 2010-08-31 2013-07-04 Continental Automotive Gmbh operating element
DE102011121897A1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Capacitive contact switch for operating device of e.g. cooker, has elastic tab element which forms non-strictly monotonic force-displacement curve by its movement
DE102012102921A1 (en) * 2012-04-04 2013-10-10 Miele & Cie. Kg Control device for electronic or electrical device, such as cooking appliance, has operating surface sectioned circumferentially on panel portion for providing cutting line between movable operating surface and stationary panel portion

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4423464A (en) * 1980-04-16 1983-12-27 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Variable capacitance type push-button switch
US4472758A (en) * 1982-04-30 1984-09-18 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Capacitive switching device
US5559665A (en) * 1995-02-10 1996-09-24 Eaton Corporation Capacitive switching assembly

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4423464A (en) * 1980-04-16 1983-12-27 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Variable capacitance type push-button switch
US4472758A (en) * 1982-04-30 1984-09-18 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Capacitive switching device
US5559665A (en) * 1995-02-10 1996-09-24 Eaton Corporation Capacitive switching assembly

Cited By (73)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6320547B1 (en) * 1998-08-07 2001-11-20 Sarnoff Corporation Switch structure for antennas formed on multilayer ceramic substrates
US20020161315A1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2002-10-31 David Harris Hand-held percussive massager with adjustable nodes
US20040115625A1 (en) * 2000-10-02 2004-06-17 Reinhard Ebner Cancer gene determination and therapeutic screening using signature gene sets
US7057579B2 (en) * 2001-11-29 2006-06-06 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US20030098845A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2003-05-29 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US6710754B2 (en) * 2001-11-29 2004-03-23 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US9977641B2 (en) 2001-11-29 2018-05-22 Qualcomm Incorporated Display system and method for portable device
US20040239581A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2004-12-02 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US20070052617A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2007-03-08 Palm, Inc. Moveable output device
US20070081075A1 (en) * 2002-01-29 2007-04-12 Palm, Inc. Videoconferencing bandwidth management for a handheld computer system and method
US20050151444A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-07-14 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric switch for tunable electronic components
US7343655B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2008-03-18 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Manufacturing methods of micro electromechanical switch
US7656071B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2010-02-02 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components
US7400488B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2008-07-15 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Variable capacitance membrane actuator for wide band tuning of microstrip resonators and filters
US7161791B2 (en) * 2002-10-21 2007-01-09 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Variable capacitance membrane actuator for wide band tuning of microstrip resonators and filters
US20100064493A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2010-03-18 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components
US20050155851A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-07-21 Hrl Laboratories, Llc. Variable capacitance membrane actuator for wide band tuning of microstrip resonators and filters
US7992271B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2011-08-09 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Process of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components on a carrier substrate
US20050127792A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2005-06-16 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric switch for tunable electronic components
US20040075364A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2004-04-22 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric actuator for tunable electronic components
US7215064B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2007-05-08 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Piezoelectric switch for tunable electronic components
US20060243462A1 (en) * 2004-01-12 2006-11-02 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device with a capacitive sensor element and electrical appliance with such an operating device
US7667947B2 (en) 2004-01-12 2010-02-23 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating control comprising a capacitive sensor element and an electrical device comprising an operating control of this type
US10440459B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2019-10-08 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece
US9479856B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2016-10-25 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece
US9042947B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2015-05-26 Surefire, Llc Multiple input acoustic coupler
US8611969B2 (en) 2004-01-29 2013-12-17 Surefire, Llc Cable assembly with earpiece
US7652230B2 (en) 2004-02-02 2010-01-26 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device for an electrical appliance having a control panel and subadjacent sensor element and method of operating such an operating device
US20070045281A1 (en) * 2004-02-02 2007-03-01 E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau Gmbh Operating device for an electrical appliance having a control panel and subadjacent sensor element and method of operating such an operating device
US9560436B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2017-01-31 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece and attachments
US8625834B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2014-01-07 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece and attachments
US10231048B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2019-03-12 Surefire, Llc Ergonomic earpiece with attachment mount
US10200778B2 (en) 2004-09-27 2019-02-05 Surefire, Llc Earpiece with ergonomic extension
US20060097992A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-11 Motorola, Inc. Apparatus and method of determining a user selection in a user interface
US20060227108A1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-12 Ikey, Ltd. Computer mouse for harsh environments and method of fabrication
US20070084704A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Ikey, Ltd. Smooth keyboard with low key height
US7294799B2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-11-13 Ikey, Ltd. Smooth keyboard with low key height
US7368921B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2008-05-06 Milliken & Company Printed capacitive sensor
US7208960B1 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-04-24 Milliken & Company Printed capacitive sensor
US7395717B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2008-07-08 Milliken & Company Flexible capacitive sensor
US20080127739A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2008-06-05 Deangelis Alfred R Capacitive sensor
US20070188179A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Deangelis Alfred R Printed capacitive sensor
US20070248799A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-10-25 Deangelis Alfred R Flexible capacitive sensor
US20070188180A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Deangelis Alfred R Printed capacitive sensor
US20070186667A1 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Deangelis Alfred R Printed capacitive sensor
US7276917B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-10-02 Milliken & Company Printed capacitive sensor
US7301351B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-11-27 Milliken & Company Printed capacitive sensor
US7578195B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2009-08-25 Milliken & Company Capacitive sensor
US8548395B2 (en) * 2006-07-26 2013-10-01 Surefire, Llc Push-to-talk switch
US20080026700A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-01-31 Smith Richard C Silent push-to-talk switch
US8107878B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2012-01-31 Motorola Mobility, Inc. Methods and apparatus for user-selectable programmable housing skin sensors for user mode optimization and control
US20090117951A1 (en) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-07 Motorola Inc Methods and apparatus for user-selectable programmable housing skin sensors for user mode optimization and control
US7719007B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2010-05-18 Milliken & Company Flexible electroluminescent capacitive sensor
US20090273483A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2009-11-05 Michael Tompkins Flexible electroluminescent capacitive sensor
DE102011054679A1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2013-04-25 Prettl Home Appliance Solutions Gmbh Control element for a control device of household appliance, such as stove, oven, washing machine, dishwasher and dryer, has two electrodes with two potentials, where latter potential is different from former potential
DE102011054679B4 (en) * 2011-10-20 2013-06-06 Prettl Home Appliance Solutions Gmbh Operating element and operating device for a household appliance, as well as household appliance
US9838009B2 (en) 2014-08-27 2017-12-05 Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. Switch with user feedback
US10725599B2 (en) 2014-10-24 2020-07-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and refrigerator door with touch sensor assembly and method for manufacturing the same
US11056051B2 (en) 2014-10-24 2021-07-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and refrigerator door with touch sensor assembly and method for manufacturing the same
US10619915B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2020-04-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensing apparatus for metal panel including display window with through-holes and touch part home appliance having metal panel and touch sensing apparatus, and method for controlling the same
US11181317B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2021-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensing apparatus for metal panel including display window with through-holes and touch part, home appliance having metal panel and touch sensing apparatus, and method for controlling the same
US10359227B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2019-07-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
US11747079B2 (en) 2014-12-22 2023-09-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly
US10429126B2 (en) 2014-12-22 2019-10-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly
US10564769B2 (en) * 2014-12-24 2020-02-18 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and method of manufacturing same
US10655840B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2020-05-19 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and door including the same
US10521033B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2019-12-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and refrigerator door including same
US10352552B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2019-07-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and door including the same
US11131453B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2021-09-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and door including the same
US11182009B2 (en) 2014-12-24 2021-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and method of manufacturing same
US20190107913A1 (en) * 2014-12-24 2019-04-11 Lg Electronics Inc. Touch sensor assembly and method of manufacturing same
US10859309B2 (en) 2015-11-27 2020-12-08 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
USD839243S1 (en) 2017-09-22 2019-01-29 Surefire, Llc Earpiece

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0887934A1 (en) 1998-12-30
EP0887934B1 (en) 2004-06-16
DE69824488T2 (en) 2005-08-18
DE69824488D1 (en) 2004-07-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5923522A (en) Capacitive switch with elastomeric membrane actuator
US4439647A (en) Touchpad keyboard
US4500758A (en) Keyboard switch assembly having sensory feedback
US4604509A (en) Elastomeric push button return element for providing enhanced tactile feedback
US4307268A (en) Tactile element and keyboard including the tactile element
US5559311A (en) Dual detent dome switch assembly
US4343973A (en) Low cost electrical switch
US4598181A (en) Laminate switch assembly having improved tactile feel and improved reliability of operation
US4417294A (en) Capacitive keyswitch
EP0444914A2 (en) Switch assembly
US7674993B2 (en) Operating element for a motor vehicle
US4703139A (en) Method in a snap dome switch keyboard assembly for reducing contact bounce time
US4584444A (en) Keyboard switch
US4164634A (en) Keyboard switch assembly with multiple isolated electrical engagement regions
US5438177A (en) Two-layer membrane switch
US4228330A (en) Touch panel mechanism
GB2036442A (en) Tactile snap-action element for a keyboard
EP1310967A2 (en) Input device which varies output value in accordance with pressing force
US4931605A (en) Multi-pole switch
US5559665A (en) Capacitive switching assembly
US4375585A (en) Deformable switch keyboard
US5738450A (en) Keyboard with simplified switch pad having a stabilization element
EP0531973B1 (en) Click-action membrane switch
CA1261378A (en) Multiple contact layer membrane switch
JPH01221824A (en) Push-button switch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: MDH COMPANY, INC., OHIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EATON CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:011149/0172

Effective date: 20000905

AS Assignment

Owner name: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MDH COMPANY, INC., A CORP. DELAWARE;REEL/FRAME:012475/0170

Effective date: 20011106

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12